Everyone knows and uses onions regularly. But few people know about chive leaves, a type of onion family that has special health benefits. Especially when you know how to combine it with foods like eggs, it will create a delicious and nutritious dish that effectively prevents cancer.
The benefits of chive leaves for human health
Also known as reed or Chinese chive, chives are rich in medicinal properties and have a distinct aroma. They are not only used in dishes but also in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chive leaves are warm, but when cooked, they have a spicy taste that helps warm the body, disperse qi, and detoxify effectively.
Because of these benefits, the Japanese people are extremely fond of chives. When frying eggs, they rarely use onion leaves like us but use chives to improve health and ward off diseases. Many Japanese families also stir-fry chives with meat or sprinkle them on tofu. They eat this dish year-round, most often in the summer.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), chives are a low-calorie food that is rich in beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Here are some of the benefits of chives, which is also the reason why the Japanese people use this vegetable frequently:
– Improve heart health and blood circulation, promote longevity
According to nutrition experts, chives are rich in antioxidants such as organosulfur and thiosulfate, which help prevent the formation of blood clots, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improve blood circulation in the body. The antioxidants in chives also help slow down the aging process and reduce wrinkles effectively.
– Improve digestion
Chive leaves have the ability to eliminate harmful bacteria, yeast, and harmful fungi that often hinder the digestion process in the intestines. In addition, the antibacterial properties of chives help eliminate at least 30 strains of salmonella that cause digestive dysfunction. This vegetable also helps reduce bloating and stimulate digestion.
– Prevent cancer
Chives contain allium compounds that can prevent and support the treatment of certain types of cancer. Furthermore, other compounds found in chive leaves, such as sulfur, help inhibit the development and spread of cancer cells throughout the body.
Moreover, in a study of 285 women, experts concluded that eating plants belonging to the Alliaceae family, such as chives, helps reduce the risk of breast cancer development.
– Prevent osteoporosis
Chives are rich in vitamin K – an important substance that contributes to the formation of joint bones. If consumed regularly, this amount of vitamin K will be effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis. In addition, the vitamin A in chives also inhibits the development of osteoporosis in the elderly.
– Improve memory
Chives contain an abundance of choline and folate – 2 substances directly related to improving brain function and enhancing memory in the elderly. Moreover, they also help limit cognitive disorders and mood disorders, which are extremely effective in improving memory and preventing memory loss.
How to prepare Chive Leaves Omelette
Prepare the ingredients
Crack 4 eggs into a bowl. Peel and thinly slice an onion. Remove the stem from a chili pepper and finely chop it.
Pick the fresh chives, remove the yellow and wilted leaves, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into approximately 2-inch lengths.
Make the egg mixture
Use a fork to beat 4 eggs, then add 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1 chopped chili pepper, and mix well.
Next, add the chopped chives and mix well.
Note: If you don’t like it spicy, you can omit the chili pepper!
Fry the eggs
Pour 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into a pan, when the oil is hot, add sliced onion and stir-fry until fragrant. When the onion is slightly golden, pour the entire chive and egg mixture into the pan.
Use a fork and spoon to evenly spread the chives over the surface of the eggs and fry the eggs on low heat for 3 – 5 minutes until the eggs are set.
Then, temporarily turn off the heat. Place the omelette flat on a plate and flip it back, with the remaining side of the eggs facing down. Turn on the heat again, using low heat, fry for another 2 – 3 minutes until it’s done.